Student brings loaded gun to Boca Ciega High School, police say

Gulfport, Florida -- A student at Boca Ciega High School was arrested Wednesday after police found a loaded gun in his backpack.

Gulfport Police say a girl told school resource officers about a series of odd text messages she received from another male student at Boca Ciega High School about a meetup. Details are vague at this time, but authorities say she alerted the SRO's when she thought harm might be done to others at the school after she received texts informing her about a lockdown.

The 17-year-old boy was tracked down in his class and a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol was found inside his backpack.

In an interview with officers, the boy claimed he got the gun from a safe inside his home. He also said he was planning to shoot himself after school and did not have any intention of harming anyone else.

The student was taken into protective custody and will be charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property.